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The City of Frederick is pleased to announce the launch of FOCUS Frederick: The Golden Mile Small Area Plan (GMSAP) and to invite the public to “Join the Story.” 

This update to the 2013 Golden Mile Small Area Plan will be the first in a series of small area planning efforts guided by the City’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan as part of FOCUS Frederick—a community-driven, planning approach to developing visions and strategies for the future of Frederick.   

FOCUS Frederick: The Golden Mile Small Area Plan will be divided into two documents:  the Golden Mile Small Area Profile and the Golden Mile Small Area Plan. Published today, the Golden Mile Small Area Profile summarizes the existing conditions throughout the Plan Area. This document provides a baseline understanding of the community as it is today and will streamline planning and implementation efforts and support meaningful dialogue throughout the planning process. 

Also starting today, residents and stakeholders are asked to take part in the first of what will be many opportunities to participate, by completing an online survey available at: https://arcg.is/q45zq2. The survey will close on September 18^(th), 2026. 

Looking to play a larger role in the plan’s development? Individuals interested in serving on the GMSAP Steering Committee should complete the following form: https://arcg.is/15a4Hf1. All interest forms must be submitted by September 18^(th), 2026.

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Updates on the GMSAP, including the Golden Mile Small Area Profile and future workshops, public meetings, etc. will be available online at: Golden Mile Small Area Plan | The City of Frederick, MD - Official Website

For more information, please contact Brandon Mark, Division Manager of Community Planning and Urban Design at bmark@cityoffrederickmd.gov or 301.600.1248.

The community is invited to gather on the steps of Frederick City Hall for "Sharing the Spirit of America," part of Frederick County’s USA250 commemoration of the nation's 250^(th) anniversary

The City of Frederick, in collaboration with Frederick County, will take part in a nationwide moment on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as community members gather on the steps of Frederick City Hall, 101 N. Court St., to read the Declaration of Independence aloud together – at the exact same hour communities across the country are doing the same.

The event, "Sharing the Spirit of America: A Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence," commemorates the 250^(th) anniversary of the Declaration’s first public reading, which took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. Originated by the Hawaii America250 Commission, the program spans all 50 states and U.S. territories, with towns, cities, and counties across the country reading it in unison.

In Frederick, the community will gather at City Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. for opening remarks, with the reading beginning promptly at 6 p.m.

The event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided and no RSVP is required.

Event Details

·       What: Sharing the Spirit of America – A Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence

·       When: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 - 5:30 p.m. gather and opening remarks; 6 p.m. reading begins

·       Where: Steps of Frederick City Hall, 101 N. Court Street, Frederick, MD 21701

·       Cost: Free

The Frederick reading is one of many local events being held nationwide as part of the official commemoration of the 250^(th) anniversary of American independence. The goal is to bring neighbors together, in person, to hear the words that launched a nation, at the same time as communities from Maine to Hawaii.

For more information about this event and other USA250 activities happening through the City, visit frederickmd.gov/usa250.

The City of Frederick's Summer Food Service Program will return on June 17, providing free nutritious lunches to children and teens throughout the community during the summer months.

Running through August 14, the program ensures that young people 18 and under have access to healthy meals while school is out of session. Meals are available Monday through Friday, excluding July 3, and no registration, sign-in, identification, or proof of eligibility is required.

Meals will be available at the following locations:

• Amber Meadows Park (11:45 AM – 12:45 PM)
• Brunswick Library (11:45 AM – 12:45 PM)
• Carrollton Park (11:45 AM – 12:45 PM)
• Hill Street Park (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
• Discovery Community Center (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) Opens on Monday, June 22
• Lake Coventry Park (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
• First Missionary Baptist Church (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) Open on Thursday, June 25

Program guidelines require that meals be consumed onsite; however, exceptions may be granted in specific cases involving adverse weather conditions.  Participants with food allergies should notify staff, and a substitute meal will be provided when available. 

The City of Frederick's Summer Food Service Program is fully funded by the City and provided at no cost to participating families. The program is supported in partnership with the USDA. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

The City encourages families to take advantage of this free resource throughout the summer months and help spread the word to neighbors, friends, and community members. 

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

For more information, including meal schedules and locations, visit https://hhs.cityoffrederickmd.gov/157/Additional-Food-and-Nutrition-Programs

The City Council unanimously adopted Mayor Michael O'Connor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, approving a financial plan that continues investments in essential city services, infrastructure, public safety, housing initiatives, nonprofit partnerships, and long-term community priorities. 

The adopted FY27 budget includes a General Fund budget of $182 million and a total operating budget of $293.7 million across all funds. The budget also adopts a property tax rate of $0.7055 per $100 of assessed value. 

The adopted budget continues funding for the services residents rely on every day, including police, public works, utilities, engineering, parks, housing and human services, neighborhood support, transportation infrastructure, and technology modernization efforts that improve accessibility and service delivery. 

The budget also includes continued investment in infrastructure and capital improvement projects across the city, including street maintenance, traffic calming initiatives, FEMA levee certification work, and new park signage and wayfinding improvements. 

Additional investments adopted as part of the FY27 budget include funding for affordable housing-related professional services, expanded neighborhood and community engagement support, partnerships with organizations including AACF Community Health Clinic, Family Connects, Asian American Center Parent Cooperative, Heritage Frederick, Centro Hispano, Frederick County Public Schools, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and the Golden Mile Alliance, as well as new personnel positions supporting legislative and land use policy capacity. 

Joint Statement from Mayor Michael O’Connor and Council President César Díaz 

“The adoption of the FY27 budget reflects what Frederick residents expect from their government: people coming together, doing the work, and staying focused on the community we serve. 

This budget is the result of a collaborative process shaped by conversations, partnership, and compromise. Throughout the process, the administration and City Council remained committed to finding common ground and delivering a final product that reflects the priorities of our community and positions Frederick for the future. 

The FY27 budget continues investments in the essential services residents count on every day while supporting nonprofit and community partners who provide critical services and expand our reach and ability to serve people. Together, these investments show a shared understanding that building a stronger Frederick requires partnerships, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to meeting the needs of residents wherever they are. 

No budget captures every idea or every priority, but strong communities are built when people stay at the table and remain focused on outcomes. This budget reflects a shared commitment to moving Frederick forward in a way that serves residents today while continuing to prepare for tomorrow. 

As we look ahead, residents should expect what they deserve: a government that continues to work together, focus on results, and remain committed to delivering the services, investments, and partnerships that strengthen our community. 

The passage of this budget is important, but our work now turns toward delivering on these commitments and ensuring residents see the tangible impact of what is in this budget throughout our community.” 

The Fiscal Year 2027 Budget will take effect on July 1, 2026. Additional information about the adopted budget is available on the City of Frederick FY27 Budget Page. 

The City of Frederick will host its first-ever Juneteenth Community Celebration on Friday, June 19^(th) at Mullinix Park, marking an inaugural city-hosted event honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black history, culture, and community.

The free community event, from 11:00AM – 3:00PM will bring residents together in a welcoming park setting for food trucks, local vendors, community resource booths, family-friendly activities, entertainment, and a brief program featuring remarks from City officials and community leaders.

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Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, the holiday serves as both a celebration of freedom and an opportunity to reflect on African American history, resilience, and contributions to the community.

“This Juneteenth event is about affirming who we want to be as a city. Hosting this celebration for the first time is a chance to recognize not only struggle and resilience, but also the joy, culture, and contributions of Frederick's Black community — and recommit ourselves to building a city where everyone can belong.” said Mayor Michael O’Connor

Additional event details, including participating vendors and organizations, will be announced closer to the event date.

For more information, contact Jarad Bowens, event manager, at  jbowens@cityoffrederickmd.gov or 301-600-1804.

The City of Frederick is making adjustments to select paid on-street parking areas in response to community feedback received following the transition to fully digital parking operations. 

Effective immediately, several downtown parking zones that previously had a two-hour maximum stay have been expanded to allow up to four hours of parking. Under the updated system, visitors may renew their parking session for an additional two hours through ParkMobile, providing greater flexibility for those shopping, dining, or spending time downtown. 

The following locations will now have a four-hour maximum parking limit: 

• Market Street from All Saints Street to 6th Street 
• Patrick Street from Carroll Street to College Avenue 
• First block of East Church Street 
• First block of West Church Street 
• North Market Street Lot

The City’s Parking Department will continue to monitor all ParkMobile zones to ensure parking availability, efficiency, and the best possible experience for residents and visitors. 

For additional parking information, visit www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/parking. 

Mayor Michael O’Connor today announced the launch of the City of Frederick’s annual Mayor’s Give a Day in May, a month-long community volunteer initiative encouraging residents to give back through service projects across the city. 

Throughout May, individuals, businesses, civic groups, and neighborhood organizations are invited to participate in volunteer opportunities that support local nonprofits, beautify public spaces, and assist community members in need. Organized projects are available for both individuals and groups looking to make a meaningful impact. 

This year’s service projects are made possible through partnerships with organizations serving the Frederick community, including the YMCA of Frederick County, Helping Hands and Caring Hearts, Maryland Ensemble Theatre, Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County, Platoon 22, and others. 

Mayor’s Give a Day in May is also being recognized as part of Frederick’s USA 250 initiative, the local commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Through programs centered on civic participation, community engagement, and local history, USA 250 invites residents to honor the milestone by contributing to the community around them. 

“Mayor’s Give a Day in May is a reminder that even small acts of service can have a meaningful impact when a community comes together,” said Mayor Michael O’Connor. “Each volunteer project completed this month helps strengthen the connections that make Frederick a caring and engaged place to live.” 

Volunteer opportunities range from planting flowers and supporting food access efforts to assisting youth-serving organizations and helping with neighborhood-based projects. Residents may sign up as individuals or as part of a team. 

To learn more about Mayor’s Give a Day in May or to register for a volunteer opportunity, visit frederickmd.gov/giveaday. 

To learn more about Frederick’s USA 250 programs and events, visit frederickmd.gov/usa250.